Corporate & Hospitality

Sasa Ognenovski

Something of a late bloomer, Ognenovski only made his Qantas Socceroos debut in late 2010.

Having played most of his early career with Preston Lions and Melbourne Knights in the National Soccer League, Ognenovski moved to Greek side Panachaiki where he played for one season. On returning to Australia he was again in the NSL before being signed up by the new Hyundai A-League outfit Queensland Roar.

He quickly became a first-team regular having played 38 matches over the two seasons he was there. He later moved to South Australia after signing for Adelaide United where he made 23 appearances and Hyundai A-League fans were calling for him to be included in the national team squads.

Finally, he was chosen to represent the Qantas Socceroos in a friendly in Cairo against Egypt. Despite the result, he acquitted himself very well and was one of the best players on the park. Ognenovski joined South Korean side Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in 2009 and has enjoyed great success in Asia.

On top of captaining his club to the AFC Asian Champions League trophy he was named 2010 AFC Champions League Most Valuable Player and 2010 Asian Footballer of the Year.

He went on to compete in 2011 Asian Cup where Australia made the final. He returned to the Australian squad to line up alongside captain Lucas Neill in the final three matches of qualification or the 2014 World Cup.

Ognenovski played a key role in ensuring only one goal was scored across the three games to help Australia confirm their spot at their third successive World Cup Finals.